Kate Saunders, an award-winning novelist and journalist who appeared in Only Fools and Horses, has died aged 62.
In 2014, the author won the Costa Children’s Book Award for her book Five Children on the Western Front.
She was also shortlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.
Saunders also appeared on TV with roles in Only Fools and Horses as well as various BBC arts programmes.
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Kate Saunders, who played policewoman Sandra in the episode The Long Legs of the Law in 1982. In addition to her acting career, Kate was an award-winning novelist, journalist and critic. Our thoughts are with her family. pic.twitter.com/6eYsXzzVXb
— Only Fools and Horses (@OnlyFoolsHQ) April 24, 2023
She played Sandra, a policewoman, in the Only Fools and Horses episode The Long Legs of the Law in 1982.
Only Fools and Horses actress dies aged 62
She was a guest on the first episode of the topical news comedy show Have I Got News For You alongside comedian Sandi Toksvig.
According to a Twitter post by her sister Louisa Saunders, Kate died last Friday.
Her sister shared a link to an obituary of Saunders and wrote: “My sister, who we lost last Friday.
“The warmest, bravest, most generous and most brilliant woman I will ever know. Heaven knows how we will live without her.”
We are extremely saddened by the death of our beloved author, Kate Saunders. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. Kate was a sensational author and a National Treasure. Brilliantly funny, gracious, compassionate, she will be greatly missed by us all. pic.twitter.com/mrLGB7xSh4
— Faber Children's (@FaberChildrens) April 24, 2023
Saunders’ novels included Five Children, The Belfry Witches, The Marrying Game, Storm In The Citadel and The Prodigal Father – for which she won the Betty Trask Award in 1986.
Five Children and The Land of Neverendings were both shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
She also wrote for various UK publications including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and Cosmopolitan.
On Monday the official account of Only Fools and Horses tweeted an online tribute to Saunders.
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